Electronic control system

ABSTRACT

This invention is concerned with an electronic control system that uses a common two wire lead with a plurality of detector units connected in parallel thereto in order to control a plurality of electrical loads. The common two wire lead is connected to a single master controller. Control modules or control elements have RF signals matched individually to each detector are mounted on the controller and move the loads coupled to each detector. This system finds great acceptance in regulating solenoid motors such as found in model railroad train layouts.

CROSS REFERENCE TO CO-PENDING APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of my copendingapplication Ser. No. 816,257 filed July 18, 1977, now U.S. Pat. No.4,147,939.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an electronic control system, and moreparticularly to an electronic control system for model railroad trainswitch or turnout motors.

2. Background of the Prior Art

In the past, and for the foreseeable future, an electrified modelrailroad train switch or turnout (used interchangeably hereinafter)included a two-way solenoid motor. This DC motor moved the switch intoeither a right or left hand position. After this standard switch andmotor arrangement was secured into its proper location on a modelrailroad layout, three wires were secured to outlet posts on the motor.These wires were then strung neatly under the model railroad layout tothe predetermined control panel or control location. The three wireswere usually connected to a double pole button switch which wasconnected to an AC transformer or the AC outlet on the model train speedcontrol transformer. When the turnout or switch was to be moved, thecontroller switch was moved either right or left and then pushed to makebutton contact. If the controller switch was marked properly (right andleft position to correspond to the turnout) then the turnout would moveto the desired position. This simple method works quite well for oneturnout or switch. However, any reasonable model railroad layout doesnot have one turnout or switch. It usually has about 10 turnouts andsome layouts have 25 or more turnouts. With at least 10 turnouts thewiring of the layout becomes of major concern because all the `blocks`(a term used in model railroading to mean separately wired segments oftrack) greatly increase the magnitude of the wiring problems on a modelrailroad layout. In order to wire the 10 turnouts, thirty wires arerequired (3 wires per each turnout.) The combination of both sets ofwiring, (1) the `blocks` and (2) the `turnouts` can become sooverwhelming that a model railroader can be completely discouraged frommaking a layout. Since this problem of voluminous wires cannot beeliminated many articles in model railroad magazines, chapter uponchapter in model railroad books and even whole books have been writtento assist the non-electrician model railroader in trying to keep track(not a gun) of all the wires.

Another of the vexing problems with the multiple turnout model railroadlayouts is a signal lighting system so that the control panel (orcontrol position) has signal lights to indicate whether a turnout is inthe right or left hand position. There have been reports over the yearsin model railroad magazines that a few model railroad advocates havebuilt very elaborate electronic gadgets for each turnout control switchin order to provide an indicator light. These gadgets, according to thereports, were only an "add-on" to the switch controller.

Nowhere has there been provided or taught:

(1) a single means for wiring a plurality of model railroad turnout orswitches, all with just one single double wire strand of electrical lampcord, where a plurality of turnouts are wired in parallel;

(2) a single touch switch to shift a turnout position not the presentcomplicated push and touch control switch;

(3) an indicator light that constantly signals the direction andposition of a turnout; and

(4) a high energy DC capacity pulse that snaps a first turnout motorinto position and can instantaneously snap a second turnout motor intoposition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide an electroniccontrol system that remotely moves the model railroad turnout from rightto left, and back, having an indicator light illustrating the right orleft position of the turnout.

Another object of the invention is provide a simple touch sensitiveswitch where a slight touch of an individual's finger can cause theturnout to move from one position (right or left) to the other.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an electronic controlfor a plurality of model railroad switches that requires only a commonsingle two wire lamp cord.

And another object of the invention is to provide a high energycapacitor pulse for actuating the turnout motor with a firm snap withthe added ability of shutting off the pulse at a predetermined time.

Another object of the invention is to provide such an electronic controlthat has a master control with a plurality of control elements coupledto a frequency generator that can generate a plurality of specificdifferent RF frequencies with each of such frequencies separately andindependently controlling the output of a plurality of detector unitswhich are each coupled to separate electrical loads.

Still another object of the invention is to provide such a mastercontrol unit that has a right and left switch control, reversing switchand a high energy capacitor source.

A feature of the invention is to provide such a reversing switch of thecontrol unit with two pairs of SCR's each in series with a transistor ina bridge configuration.

Yet another important feature of the invention is to provide a pluralityof control elements that control a frequency generator enabling it toproduce a plurality of RF frequencies with each detector having aceramic resonator that is capable of operating from only one of theplurality of RF frequencies emitted from the generator.

Still another feature of the invention is to provide a master controlwith a plurality of output control elements with common two wire outputthat can have a plurality of electrical loads with detector unitsconnected directly thereto.

Other objects, features and advantages will become obvious from thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention taken together with the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic electrical drawing of the control module portionof one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic electrical drawing of the master control unitportion of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic electrical drawing of the detector unit portion ofone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a touch sensor;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a touch sensor;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic electrical drawing of the control element portionof another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic electrical drawing of the frequency generator ofthe invention; and

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a master control 10 isconnected to a primary power source. The control has a commondistribution bus 21 which preferably resembles a two wire lamp cord thatis strung around a model railroad layout near each turnout or railroadswitch. A small detector 160 is connected to the two wire distributionbus 21 and to the three terminals of the turnout's motor. A plurality ofthese detector-turnout combinations can all be connected to the same twowire distribution bus 21. For each detector-turnout combination acontrol module 100 is connected to the control 10. Each of the turnoutshas a right and left or straight and curved position to which it can bemoved. Each control module 100 has a pair of touch sensors 102 and 104,that correspond to the right and left positions on a turnout. Themodules 100 are arranged so that only one module can control onedetector 160 and only one detector 160 will accept an instruction fromone module 100. Thus, with this invention, it is possible to control theright or left movements by any turnout simply by touching the right orleft sensor of the matching control module.

Referring now to the drawings in a preferred embodiment of thisinvention, as shown in FIG. 1, there is a master control unit 10 thathas an imput power source 12, a common imput bus 14, a time pulse bus16, an RF bus 18 and a regulated power supply bus 20. A control module100 is connected to the buses 14, 16, 18 and 20. The output of thecontrol unit 10 consists of a single two wire distribution bus 21.

The control module 100 comprises a pair of touch sensors 102 and 104which are connected to a touch sensing bistable 106. In one embodiment,a single touch sensor 102, as shown in FIG. 6, comprises a small discshaped washer 102a, preferably being about the size of a standard 3/16"bolt washer. In the center of the washer 102a and spaced a smalldistance from the internal diameter 102aa of the washer 102a is a smallmetal disc 102b. Both the washer 102a and the disc 102b are mounted onany convenient type of panel (not shown.) Wire 102c connects the washer102a to the bistable 106 and the wire 102d connects the disc 102c alsoto the bistable 106. The size of the washer and disc arrangement isdirectly related to an individual's conductance and thus determined bythe sensitivity of the circuit associated therewith.

In another embodiment of the invention of the touch sensor as shown inFIG. 7, a simple washer 102w is connected by wire 102x to the bistable106 and more precisely to the NAND gate 102y. The washer 102w and theNAND 102y comprise part of a circuit (and identical to the other washer104 and NAND gate) that has a very low capacitance and a very high inputimpedance thus requiring a very small current to actuate it. There isessentially no current flow through the washer 102 or 104 and the NANDgates coupled thereto from nearby fixed objects. It is well known thatthe average individual's body has about 180 to 200 pico faradscapacitance to earth ground. Therefore a simple touch of an individual'sfinger on the washer 102w or 104 creates a minute current because of thechange of capacitance to ground. This is sufficient current to triggeror toggle the bistable 106.

Thus, when an individual's finger touches both the disc 102b and thewasher 102a or the washer 102w, a circuit is closed and a directionalpulse 1000 is issued by the bistable 106 through leads 108. If sensor102 is touched then the LED light 110L is immediately lit and willremain on until the sensor 104 is touched and the circuit in thebistable 106 switch at which time the bistable 106 issues an oppositedirectional signal through leads 108. When this occurs the LED 110L goesout and the LED 110R lights up. A directional pulse from the bistable isfed into the mono-stable multivibrator 112. The multivibrator uses thepulse 1000 and issues a time signal 1002 through the lead 114 to the RFoscillator 120. The RF oscillator has a very specific ceramic resonatorthat operates on one specific frequency. Generally ceramic resonatorshave a general range of from 200 KHz to 1070 KHz and are obtainable atany specific frequency such as 205 KHz with a tolerance of plus or minus1 KHz. For purposes of illustration a 210 KHz ceramic resonator 122 ispart of the oscillator 120. The oscillator 120 accepts the time signal1002 and issues an RF signal 1004 at 210 KHz on lead 124. The controlmodule 100 comprises the bistable 106 with its touch sensors 102 and104, the multivibrator 112 and the RF oscillator 120. It receives itspower from the regulated power supply 40 via bus 20. The control moduleis arranged on a printed circuit board so that it plugs directly intosockets (not shown) of the master control 10 whereby direct contact ismade with the bus 20 and contact is made with (1) the input bus 14 vialeads 110; (2) the time pulse bus 16 via lead 116, and (3) the RF bus 18via lead 124.

Preferably the master control 10 can be mounted on a printed circuitboard and constructed to accept up to 10 or more control modules whereineach is separately and directly connected in parallel to the regulatedpower supply bus 20, the common input bus 14, the time pulse bus 16 andthe RF bus 18.

A portion of the master control 10 has a power supply imput 12 thatconnects to the main power supply and capacitor energy section 34. Thesection performs two functions: (1) it provides power to the regulatedpower supply 40 via leads 36 and (2) it provides a stored high energypotential 1008 that will ultimately be used to drive the turnout motors.Connected to the supply 34 is a protective circuit 42 that is connectedvia leads 44 that prevents the capacitor circuitry of the supply 34 andassociated discharge circuitry from overloading. The high energypotential 1008 is made available via lead 46. The regulated power supply40 provides power to all parts of the device providing for internaloperation and is quite similar to such circuits in many other electronicdevices.

The control 10 has a bus bistable 22 that is directly connected to theinput bus 14. The directional pulse 1000 which indicates that adirection has been chosen by touching the sensors 102 or 104 is acceptedby the bistable 22. The circuitry of the bistable 22 is arranged toaccept directional pulses. Thus, after the bistable 22 receives thepulse 1000 it reissues it to the switch control 26 in the form of adirectional state 1006.

The switch control 26 not only receives the state 1006 but also the timepulse 1002 and couples the two together issuing only one directionalpulse 1010 to the DPDT reversing switch 30 via leads 28. The switchcontrol 26 comprises two pairs of NAND and NOR elements each in seriesand each comprises a logic circuit that is cross coupled to prevent theturning on of more than one side of the switch 30 at a time.

The reversing switch 30 receives both the directional pulse 1010 and thehigh energy potential 1008 and issues a directional (polarized) highenergy pulse 1012 via leads 32 to the distribution bus 21. The switchhas a unique construction utilizing two pair of SCR's each in serieswith a transistor in a bridge configuration and can be identified inFIG. 4. At the same time that the switch is issuing pulse 1012, the RFamplifier 48 has already received the RF signal 1004 via bus 18 and hasamplified it preferably from 10 to 100 times. This amplified RF signal1014 is received by the coupling 50 and transmitted to the distributionbus 21 via leads 52. The coupling 50 prevents the high capacity energypulse 1012 on the distribution bus 21 from backing up into the RFamplifier 48 and damaging it.

A turnout 180 with a solenoid type two position motor 182 havingdirectional leads S1 and S3 are connected directly to detector 160 whilecommon line S2 of the motor 182 is connected to the one portion of bus21. The frequency sensitive voltage multiplier 162 of the detector 160has a ceramic resonator 164 that is matched at 210 KHz with the ceramicresonator 122. This permits the amplified RF pulse 1014 to be acceptedby the multiplier 162. The multiplier uses the pulse 1014 to produce ahigh voltage DC signal 1016 and issue it to the trigger 170 via lead168. At the same time the double diode triac circuit which is connectedto the distribution bus 21 via lead 176 and 166 has available to it thehigh energy directional pulse 1012 which is capable of driving the motor182. The trigger's DC signal 1016 is received by the circuit 174 andpermits the pulse 1012 to pass through to the motor thus moving themotor 182 in the direction desired.

FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 are electrical schematic drawings of one embodiment ofthe circuitry for the module 100, the control 10 and the detector 160.It should be noted that modifications to this circuitry which eitherincreases or decreases the number of parts is fully contemplated and caneasily be accomplished by one skilled in the art. This particularcircuitry has been illustrated as it has been found to be mostadvantageous. Obviously, when produced in very large quantities, thecircuits could be microized.

As fully contemplated, this invention can include a plurality ofturnout-detector combinations each controlled by individual modules allconnected to single master controller 10. As shown in FIG. 2 modules100, 200 and 300 are all connected in parallel to buses 14, 16 18 and 20and detectors 160, 260 and 360 with turnouts 180, 280 and 380 allconnected tin parallel to distribution bus 21. In this arrangementdistribution bus 21 can be a simple two wire lamp cord. With power,either AC or DC, being supplied to control 10 the total system isoperational. Each module 100, 200 and 300 has ceramic resonators withdifferent RF frequencies.

For purposes of illustration, module 100 has a ceramic resonator with anRF frequency of 260 KHz with detector 160 having a matching ceramicresonator with the same frequency. Module 200 has a resonator with an RFfrequency of 280 KHz with detector 260 having a matched 280 KHz RFfrequency resonator. Module 300 has a resonator with an RF frequency of500 KHz with detector 260 having a matched 500 KHz RF frequencyresonator.

If the turnout 280 is in the left position, the light 220L will be lit.If the right sensor of module 200 is touched, the light 220L isextinguished and the light 220R is lit. At the same time a directionalpulse, a time pulse and an RF signal are all issued from module 200. Themaster control digests all these and along with a high energydirectional pulse issues an amplified RF signal at 280 KHz. All threedetectors 160, 260 and 360 look at the signal and pulse. Since onlydetector 260 has a matched ceramic resonator of 280 KHz, it alone canutilize the signal and direct the pulse to move the motor of turnout280.

In another embodiment of the invention, a master control 10 is connectedto a primary power source. The control has a common distribution bus 21which preferably resembles a two wire lamp cord that is strung around amodel railroad layout near each turnout or railroad switch. A smalldetector 160 is connected to the two wire distribution bus 21 and to thethree terminals of the turnout's motor. A plurality of thesedetector-turnout combinations can all be connected to the same two wiredistribution bus 21. For each detector-turnout combination a controlelement 1100 is part of the control 10. As before each of the turnoutshas a right and left or straight and curved position to which it can bemoved. Control element 1100 has a pair of touch sensors 1102 and 1104,that correspond to the right and left positions on a turnout. Theelement 1100 is arranged so that only one element can control onedetector and only one detector will accept an instruction from oneelement. Thus, with this embodiment, it is possible to control the rightor left movements by any turnout simply by touching the right or leftsensor of the matching control module.

Referring now to the drawings in a preferred embodiment of thisinvention, as shown in FIG. 8, 9, 10 and 11, there is a master controlunit 10 that has an imput power source 12, a common input bus 14, a timepulse bus 16, an RF input 1124 and a regulated power supply bus 20. Acontrol element 1100 is connected to the wires 14, 16, 1124 and 20. Theoutput of the control unit 10 consists of a single two wire distributionbus 21. The control element 1100 comprises a pair of touch sensors 1102and 1104 which are connected to a touch sensing bistable 1106.

When the sensor 1102 or 1104 is touched, the bistable 1106 issues a plusor minus signal level change 2000 that is fed to the differentiator1112. The differentiator 1112 uses the change 2000 and issues a timesignal 2002 through the lead 114 to the frequency generator 1120 whichis part of the control 10. The frequency generator 1120 issues aspecific RF frequency 2004 through lead 1124 to the RF amplifier 48similar to the RF signal 1004.

Multiple elements 1100, 1200 and 1300 are used. They are connecteddifferently to the multiple gate inputs (shown in FIG. 10) of thefrequency generator 1120. The touching of the sensors of each of theelements 1100, 1200, and 1300 causes the frequency generator 1120 toissue different RF frequencies to the RF amplifier 48 in a mannersimilar to the other embodiment described. As in the other embodiments,each of the ceramic resonators of the detectors 160, 260 and 360 canonly accept one RF frequency. The frequency generator 1120 is soconstructed that it will issue only RF frequencies that can be acceptedby the ceramic resonators. Thus, a second means for generating RFsignals to turn on ceramic resonators is shown.

It has been found that when a plurality of detector units is desired inone total unit (rather than being added such as one at a time as in themodular embodiment), it is cheaper to construct the master control 10with the frequency generator 1120 than to use matched ceramicresonators. However, if only one or two control modules are desired thenthe matched ceramic resonator method can be more desirable.

Thus, it is fully contemplated that many control modules or elements anddetector-turnout combinations can be coupled to use only one mastercontrol.

Rather than connecting turnouts to this three part (control, mastercontrol, detector) system a series of solenoid locks all parallelconnected to the same two wire lamp type cord could equally efficientlybe controlled. It will be obvious that many other items besides modelrailroad turnouts and solenoid locks can be controlled by such a system.

Although the present invention has been described with reference toillustrative embodiments, it should be understood that numerous othermodifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in theart, and it is therefore intended by the appended claims to cover allsuch modifications and changes that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

I claim:
 1. A device for electrically moving a first three-lead motor of a model railroad switch and a second three-lead motor of a model railroad switch so that each will move to back and forth or right and left positions as desired, comprising:(a) a master control energized by a power source with means for generating a plurality of RF signals; (b) a first control element capable of selecting the position of the first switch and connected to the means for generating a precise first RF signal, the element coupled to the control; (c) a first detector having a first ceramic resonator matched and capable of selectively receiving only the first RF signal, the detector connected to the three leads of the first motor; (d) a second control element capable of selecting the position of the second switch and connected to the means for generating a precise second RF signal, the second element coupled to the control; (e) a second detector having a second ceramic resonator matched to and capable of selectively receiving only the second RF signal; the detector connected to the three leads of the second motor; and, (f) means for connecting the master control and the detectors whereby a position selection by the first element is effectuated by the first motor and a position selection by the second element is effectuated by the second motor.
 2. A device capable of moving a first electrical load from one position to another or to an on or off position and a second electrical load from one position to another or to an on or off position as desired, comprising:(a) a master control energized by a power source with means for generating a plurality of RF signals; (b) a first control element capable of selecting the position of the first load desired and connected to the means for generating a precise first RF signal, the element coupled to the control; (c) a first detector having a first ceramic resonator matched to and capable of selectively receiving only the first RF signal, the detector connected to the load; (d) a second control module capable of selecting the position of the second load and connected to the means for generating a precise second RF signal, the element coupled to the control; (e) a second detector having a second ceramic resonator matched to and capable of selectively receiving only the second RF signal, the detector connected to the load; and (f) means for connecting the control with the detectors whereby the positions of the loads are selected by the elements.
 3. The device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the generating means is an RF frequency generator.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the generator has a plurality of gate inputs.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein each element is connected to a different grouping of gate inputs.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein each grouping of gate inputs causes the generator to issue different RF signals. 